Transmigrated: The Lycan King’s Pet

"Rhydian." My voice came out sharp.

"Surprised to see me?" He smiled warmly at me, helping me to stand on my feet.

I nodded my head. "I didn't expect to see you here. What are you doing here, by the way?"

He looked taken aback by my question. "Hmmm… I came to see you. Can't I do that?"

"Of course you can. I was just surprised you were allowed into the garden without any occasion. I mean it is only reserved for us, and strangers are not allowed here." I bit my lower lip.

I felt like my explanation came out rude. "I didn't mean to make you feel like you are a stranger. You are my friend… what I meant is the guards and of course my family."

Rhydian chuckled, his voice was rich and soothing to the ears.

"Why are you laughing?"

"You looked cute trying to explain." He chuckled. "Do you want to enjoy the view with me?"

'Enjoy the view with you? I need to look for my pet. I don't even know what has become of his fate. I would have loved to watch the view with Rhydian, but I cannot… I can't bring you into this.'

"Um… Maybe some other time Rhydian. I have something important to do." I said politely.

"Is that so?" A look of displease flickered through his eyes, before it was replaced by warmth. "Don't tell me you are planning to escape." He joked.

I laughed out loud. "That's… Impossible." I scratched the back of my head.

"Is it? You know you can tell me anything. I'll even help you so you are not caught." He smiled.

The way he smiles and talks makes me want to confide in him. But I knew if I did it would only spell trouble for him. "I'm not running away Rhydian, I'm a Princess and it is my duty. I won't run from my duty." I avoided his eyes.

He pressed his lips into a thin line. "Is that why you didn't contact me through the necklace again?"

"Not entirely, lately I have been ill. But I'm better now."

He grabbed my hand gently. "Are you sure? You should cover yourself up properly." He tightened the lace of my cloak, making sure it covered my body. His brows knitted together in worry as he did it.

A smile graced my lips. "I'm fine, Rhydian, you don't have to be worried about me."

"Why can't I be?" He leaned closer, his face a few inches away from mine.

My heart stuttered in my chest. "Rhydian," my hand flew to his chest. "It is inappropriate, I'll be getting married soon." I swallowed, trying to hide the pink hue on my cheeks.

He stepped back, then he bowed. "I apologize for making you uncomfortable Princess."

"It is okay Rhydian, you don't have to bow to me… and call me Aeris." I avoided meeting his gaze.

"I'm afraid that is not appropriate."

"I command so." I lifted my chin at him.

He chuckled, holding his chest. "Oh, I'm scared, Aeris."

His gesture made me laugh.

We walked to the spot where the path was interrupted. "Rhydian, it was really nice to see you." My gaze softened. "Take good care of yourself." I turned, taking the path to the left.

"Aeris…" He called. "Take care of yourself." His voice lowered.

I turned and waved him goodbye, before continuing walking. I felt warmth and ache at the same time. 'This is for the best.' I told myself.

The pressing matter now was how I was going to rescue White and escape. 'Where could he be?... dungeons?... no I don't think so, what is an animal doing in a dungeon?' I thought to myself.

'But he is not just any animal, he is a wolf… a dangerous animal… I'll just take a quick look.' I headed towards the dungeon.

I hid behind a tree, spying on the guards who were guarding the entrance of the dungeon. How was I supposed to pass them without drawing attention to myself?'

"What can I do?" I muttered. Then my eyes widened as a thought crossed my mind. "Diversion."

I picked a stone and threw it into the bush on the opposite side.

"Who is there?" One of the guards stepped forward. Hearing no response, he stepped back to his position.

I threw another stone. This time the guards walked in the direction I threw the stone. Taking the chance I hurried across the open space, and slipped into the dungeon.

The pungent smell of dried blood and other things I could pinpoint hit my nostrils, my stomach churned, threatening to throw out its contents.

I quickly covered my nose, making a disgusted face. I walked down the passageway, checking each cell to see if he was there.

I hid behind the wall, when I heard the sounds of footsteps approaching. When I peeked from my hiding place, two guards were patrolling around the dungeon.

After making sure they were far gone, I continued my search. Minutes turned into an hour and I still couldn't find him.

'What if I am unable to find him? Will I escape without him? No way I'm leaving him behind. But if I stay behind because of him, I'll have to go through with the marriage. How can I pick between him and my freedom?'

Just as I walked mindlessly through the passageway, I came across a cell that had no bars. It had an iron door. A frown formed between my brows.

What could be so dangerous that they had to make such a sturdy cell?

I stopped in my step when I heard the faint sound of growls and snarls. "White," I muttered under my breath.

I rushed to open the door, but I couldn't. It was locked with magic, and I don't have magic. I stood in front of the door, my hands trembling beside me. I have never felt so useless in my entire life.

"Who is there?" A voice came from behind me.

'Oh no, they found me.' My heart plummeted into my stomach.